Ilocos norte: The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is revitalizing its Media Incentive Desk (MID) to strengthen support for local filmmakers, particularly young Ilocano creatives, and promote the province as a premier destination for film and media production. Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos highlighted this in her first State of the Province Address, recognizing the urgent need to support promising young filmmakers with access to equipment, competition funding, and transport logistics necessary for producing quality Ilokano films.
According to Philippines News Agency, the enhanced MID under the Provincial Information Office now serves as a one-stop facilitation center, assisting filmmakers with location scouting, permit processing, coordination with local government offices, and logistical support. By streamlining production requirements, the province aims to make it easier for filmmakers to produce films that showcase Ilocos Norte's rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and unique stories.
Marcos emphasized that the province considers its stories, landscapes, and people worthy of both national and international stages. The revitalized initiative seeks to nurture the next generation of Ilokano filmmakers by providing opportunities to develop their craft, collaborate with industry professionals, and bring locally produced films to wider audiences.
Through partnerships with stakeholders in the creative sector, the province hopes to encourage more original Ilocano stories that reflect the region's history, traditions, and contemporary experiences. The strengthened MID is part of a broader effort to grow the creative economy, attract film and television productions, and generate employment for local artists, production crews, tourism workers, and small businesses.
Increased film activity is also expected to boost tourism by showcasing Ilocos Norte's iconic destinations on screen. A Film Tourism and Media Incentives Conference was conducted for the first time at Ilocandia Cultural Center in Batac City to discuss opportunities for expanding film production in Ilocos Norte.
Local filmmakers, including Edsel Harry Turda, have welcomed the government initiative, stating that the establishment of a 'support system' for Ilocano filmmakers will further inspire creative talents and create more opportunities for them to tell authentic local stories. Turda expressed gratitude to the provincial government, highlighting that Ilocos Norte is an integral part of every story, with its culture, identity, and traditions providing filmmakers an authentic way to represent the province.
